Best Hitches For Subaru Outbacks – 2021 Top Picks Reviewed

| Last Updated: January 4, 2022

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The Subaru Outback is a strong vehicle and you can easily use it to tow different trailers and accessories. Before you start, though, you need a high-quality, compatible trailer hitch.

This can be difficult if you are not sure of what you are looking for.

We have put together the best hitches for the Subaru Outback to help you out. Have a look!

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Best hitch for Subaru Outback overall
  • Has a 2” x 2” hitch receiver with a wide range of towing options
  • Fully tested for durability and safety
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  • Dependable strength rated for 4,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 600 lbs. tongue weight
  • Has a 2” x 2” hitch receiver with a wide range of towing options
  • Fully tested for durability and safety
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  • Sleek, modern design with a 2” square receiver tube opening
  • Rated up to 600/4,000 TW/GTW
  • All-welded construction with a black powder coat finish
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  • Weight capacity from 2,000 to 20,000 lbs.
  • Receiver tube size from 1.25”, 2”, and 2.5”
  • Dual-layer coating protecting against rust, chipping, and UV rays
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  • 1.25” square receiver tube opening
  • Rated up to 3,500 lbs.
  • Custom build ensures a perfect match
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Can Any Hitch Be Used on a Subaru Outback?

The Subaru Outback is a strong family car that well deserves its popularity in North America. Hitches fall into classes from I to V, or from lightest to heaviest loads. Unfortunately, the Subaru Outback is only either Class I or II. This means that a 2.5" hitch can tow a maximum of 2,700 lbs. 

While it might be wise to go for Class I or II hitch, it is best to go for a higher class, just in case. It is definitely not a good idea to put more weight on your vehicle, but a higher-class hitch can provide more dependability. 

What to Look For When Buying a Hitch

Here are some main aspects you need to consider when choosing your Subaru Outback hitch:

Class

As we previously mentioned, your vehicle is probably a Class I or II. Despite this, it is always better to go for a higher-class hitch in order to be sure that you will be safe and sound. That will make the ideal hitch a Class II or, ideally, a Class III. However, just because you have a Class III hitch does not mean your Subaru is ready to tow that much. Thus, be ready to stick to light-duty. 

CURT 13390 Class 3 Trailer Hitch

Protective Coatings

Protective coatings on your hitch are important. Once you install it under your car, where all the rain and snow go, you will realize the importance of protective coatings. They will help your hitch avoid rust and corrosion, which can damage its structure. 

Value for Money

Last but not least, the hitch should offer value for the money spent. Does it have all the features you need? If no, you should keep scrolling. If yes, then make sure it fits within your budget. Fortunately, our options are budget-friendly, so you will definitely find the ideal hitch for your Subaru Outback. 

Review of the Best Hitches For Subaru Outbacks

Once you have worked out what you are looking for in a hitch for your Subaru Outback, take a look at some of these great models.

Best Overall:
CURT 13390 Class III Trailer Hitch

CURT 13390 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver, Exposed Main Body, Fits Select Subaru Legacy, Outback

PROS

  • High-strength steel and precise welding
  • Custom-fit to Subaru Outback and Legacy
  • Includes all the hardware necessary for installation
  • Resistant to rust, chipping, and UV due to dual-coat finish
  • Vehicle-specific design, seamless integration, and durable connection
  • Dependable strength-rated for 4,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 600 lbs. tongue weight

CONS

  • Quite difficult to install

What Recent Buyers Report

This hitch is the top recommendation for Subaru Outback owners. It is painless and easy install, although it might be quite expensive if taken to a professional. The hardware is of high-quality, sturdy, and performs as well as expected. Furthermore, there is no need to lift the vehicle due to the high ground clearance of the Outback.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Curt 13390 hitch is our first choice for a Subaru Outback because of its custom fit, which works flawlessly with the vehicle. It is highly dependable, offers high value for the money spent, and has a versatile design. The hitch is fully tested for the utmost safety and reliability.

Who Will Use This Most

This hitch is rated for 4,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 600 lbs. tongue weight. The 2” by 2” hitch receiver is the standard size that can accept a ball mount, bike rack, cargo carrier, tow hook, and many other accessories.

Bottom Line

Overall, it is impossible not to appreciate the craftsmanship of the CURT 13390 Class III. It is made with the best-quality materials, offering durability and reliability. Also, it is covered with co-cured finishes that protect it against rust, UV, and chipping. What else could you wish for?

Runner-up:
CURT 13206 Class III Trailer Hitch

Curt 13206 22272 Class 3 Trailer Hitch with 2 Inch Receiver and 2 Inch Rubber Hitch Tube Cover Bundle for 14-19 Subaru Outback

PROS

  • Includes all necessary hardware for full installation
  • Vehicle-specific design suitable for Subaru Outback
  • Fully tested according to SAE 684 for reliability and safety
  • Co-cured double coatings for resistance to chipping, rust, and UV rays
  • Suitable for towing any accessories, including ball mount, bike rack, and others

CONS

  • Poor packaging
  • Difficult to install

What Recent Buyers Report

This high-quality Class III hitch is ready to equip your vehicle with a sturdy, reliable, and durable hitch receiver. It is quite difficult to install if you haven’t done it before. Most would rate it intermediate to advanced level, but you can take it to a professional at any time.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This CURT Class III offers reliability, dependability, and utmost safety when towing. It is easy to tow all your accessories, as it has clean welds and a hard finish. The double co-cured coatings are great for protecting your hitch from UV rays, rust, and chips. It is one of the best hitches for the Subaru Outback!

Who Will Use This Most

The receiver tube size is available in 1.25”, 2”, and 2.5”, with weight capacity from 2,000 to 20,000 lbs. The 2” by 2” hitch receiver is the standard size that can accept a ball mount, bike rack, cargo carrier, tow hook, and much more. It is the most reliable connection you can have on your next adventure!

Bottom Line

All in all, CURT trailer hitches provide you with flawless integration due to the vehicle-specific design and a reliable, harshly tested connection. The product is coated inside and out with liquid Bonderite and a durable powder coat. This results in high value for your money and a long product life!

Best for the Money:
Draw-Tite 75673 Max-Frame Receiver

Draw-Tite 75673 Max-Frame Receiver , Black

PROS

  • Durable, sturdy, and long-lasting frame
  • Perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality
  • Protective coating against rust and corrosion
  • Sturdily welded for performance and strength
  • Suitable for heavy loads and long time intervals

CONS

  • Shipping package could be improved
  • Needs to be removed to access the rear of the vehicle

What Recent Buyers Report

This hitch is perfectly designed for Subaru automobiles and their owners’ specific needs. It comes with a 4,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 600 lbs. tongue weight. The installation is smooth if you’re following the instructions. The frame already comes welded together, so all you need to do is place the bolts.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Draw-Tite 75673 Hitch is a high-quality device that allows you to handle heavy-duty jobs with no worries. Being specially designed for Subaru vehicles, it is not surprising how well it performs once you install it. This custom-built frame also comes already welded together, which only adds extra points to its durability.

Who Will Use This Most

This is a high-quality hitch that is suitable for all Subaru Outback owners. It is perfectly designed to achieve peak performance when towing. They are custom built to the manufacturer and model year, which ensures the utmost compatibility between your vehicle and the hitch.

Bottom Line

Overall, the Draw-Tite 75673 has professional qualities in terms of heavy-duty jobs. It is built with the best-quality materials to ensure that there is a perfect match between quality and price. It is relatively easy to install, and, most importantly, it is specially created for your Subaru Outback.

4. CURT 13410 Class III Trailer Hitch

Curt 13410 22272 Class 3 Trailer Hitch with 2 Inch Receiver and 2 Inch Rubber Hitch Tube Cover Bundle for 10-19 Subaru Outback

PROS

  • Weight capacity from 2,000 to 20,000 lbs.
  • Highly versatile, suitable for any towing accessories
  • Fully tested according to SAE 684 for reliability and safety
  • Vehicle-specific design suitable for Subaru Outback and Legacy
  • Double-layered finish for resistance to chipping, rust, and UV rays

CONS

  • Difficult to install

What Recent Buyers Report

This premium quality hitch adds a robust, dependable, and sturdy connection to your vehicle. It might be difficult to install for beginners, but it is definitely worth it in the end! This hitch for Subaru displays peak performance throughout.

Why it Stands Out to Us

If you are looking for dependability, reliability, and safety, you are on the same page with us. The CURT 13410 Class III is a premium-quality Subaru Outback hitch. It has a hard, durable, and long-lasting, double-layered finish and clean welds. Due to its high-quality components, it is ideal for long-term use.

Who Will Use This Most

The receiver tube size is available in 1.25”, 2”, and 2.5”, with weight capacity ranging from 2,000 to 20,000 lbs. The 2” by 2” hitch receiver can attach to a cargo carrier, ball mount, tow hook, and much more. It is the most versatile, flexible, and custom-made hitch you can find on the market.

Bottom Line

Overall, the CURT trailer hitch provides you with the ideal connection between your vehicle and anything else you might want to attach. It has a unique design based on Subaru’s own specifications and a protracted life. We are confident that it will provide you with a great experience!

5. Draw-Tite 36493 Class II Frame Hitch

Draw-Tite 36493 Class II Frame Hitch with 1-1/4' Square Receiver Tube Opening , Black

PROS

  • High-quality construction
  • Bolt-on installation with no welding required
  • Solid, all-welded frame for optimal performance
  • Ideal for light-duty towing and hitch rack needs
  • Black powder coat finish fights against corrosion

CONS

  • Packaging is poor
  • Removable pin, draw bar, and clip are sold separately

What Recent Buyers Report

This trailer hitch is fairly easy to install once you follow the instructions provided. It looks sturdy and durable, and is a perfect fit for the Subaru Outback. The coating looks resistant and glossy, which will definitely prolong the life of this product.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Draw Tite Class II Trailer Hitch is ideal for light-duty towing needs. The product features 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and A-coat base with black powder coat finish. It includes all the hardware and instructions needed for a smooth installation. This consists of a bolt-on installation with no welding necessary.

Who Will Use This Most

This product is a Class II hitch, so it is best used for light-duty towing due to its lower capacity. You may use it for bike racks or any other lighter towing jobs. If you are a beginner, you might consider taking it to a professional for installation. Make sure you wash the underside of the car before you install it.

Bottom Line

Overall, this hitch is a great alternative for Subaru Outback towing jobs. It is made of high-quality materials. It is sturdy, resistant to corrosion and rust, and has an overall sturdy feel. It will definitely offer you a secure connection throughout your entire trip.

What Do I Need To Know Before Buying?

Here are some ideas you need to keep in mind before making your purchase:

Quality as a Priority

Make sure you do not underestimate the quality of your hitch. It is important to remember that the hitch offers you a durable connection between your vehicle and other accessories. Its quality is a priority for you and for your family. Make sure you are fully informed on a model before buying, focusing on perspectives and experiences from other buyers with the product beforehand. 

Maintenance and Cleaning

Just like any other equipment, a hitch should be maintained and cleaned regularly. Although our models do come with protective coatings, proper maintenance, and cleaning are still required. This will help you maintain your hitch and keep it fully functioning as long as possible. 

This is especially important if you live in extreme climates. Whether it is very cold, snowy, rainy, or very hot weather, you should take care of your hitch accordingly. 

Professional Service

If you’re not passionate about it, installing your new trailer hitch might seem burdensome. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you are unsure of what you need to do, although having a quick look below might give you an idea. 

How to Install a Subaru Outback Trailer Hitch

Here are some detailed steps on how to install the new hitch on a Subaru Outback:

  1. Raise the rear of the car on jacks if you feel that there is not enough space. 

  2. Locate the four hangers (two on each side) which support the exhaust pipe and apply silicone grease. Allow to soak. 

  3. Remove the four hangers. 

  4. Using a breaking bar or a 0.5” ratchet, remove the two forward bolts under the plastic covers. 

  5. Check the hitch’s instructions for proper placement.

  6. It might take you a few tries to position it correctly. 

  7. Support the hitch during installation using the dual mufflers, which will prevent the hitch from falling when you do the work. 

  8. Put the four matched spacers on the hitch (two on each side).

  9. Bolt the hitch to the car’s frame. 

Conclusion

All in all, our list of hitches for a Subaru Outback provide you with, at least, some starting points for your search. Make sure you go through all the information here before you make a decision. A new hitch might be for life if you maintain and clean it occasionally. 

People Also Ask

Here is a short FAQ section to answer some questions about what a Subaru can tow.

Can Subaru Outback Tow a Boat?

The Subaru Outback is strong enough to tow lightweight, aluminum-made, or fiberglass boats. Larger motorboats will more than likely put a strain on the engine and are not advised.

Can a Subaru Outback Tow a Camper?

It has plenty of pull-power to haul a small to medium-sized camper with some limited gear. Remember when towing that less is more. Put as little weight on your hitch as possible.

Can a Subaru Outback Tow an Airstream Nest?

With Subaru’s pull-power of approximately 2,700 lbs., the Airstream Nest might get close to its limits. It is usually weighs about 2,600 lbs. For better results, you might want to remain with lighter loads for your Subaru Outback.

I used to work in construction and landscaping, so I've seen my fair share of ratchet straps, winches, and similar rigging gear. I started Winch Central because I've seen some nasty accidents due to crappy rigging or poor practice. I wanted to be able to recommend good equipment that's SAFE and also provide resources for how its used. I handle the research side of things here as well as product selection for gear reviews.